HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05.09.05Minutes
______________________________
City of Falcon Heights, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
May 9, 2005
7:00 PM
_____________________________
Meeting Chair: Chuck Long
Minutes By: Lisa Anderson
Present: Patrick Dolan, James Evans, Chuck Long, Greg Hoag, Lisa Anderson, Annie Green, Gene Ozasky, Kimberly Kuhens
Absent: Laura Kuettel
Meeting called to order 7:00 PM
Approval of minutes April 11th, 2005 made by Long seconded by Evans. Dolan asked about the update on the weather line message. Hoag and Anderson both reported it had not been updated
but would soon as summer programs begin and updated as needed throughout the summer.
Kuhens asked about the removal rink boards. Hoag reported that they will be moved shortly. Public works is awaiting its new truck that will allow them to move the boards more efficiently.
In the mean time, the boards are stacked at all locations have been secured to prevent kids from climbing or disturbing them.
Approval of agenda
Staff Report
Introduction of new Commission Members: Gene Ozasky, Annie Green
Gene Ozasky is a resident of Falcon Heights, currently living in the University Grove neighborhood. He comes to us with an experience in government and municipal areas. He joined the
commission to see first hand how the city operates, as well as how they interact with the University of Minnesota.
Annie Green is a resident of the Northome Neighborhood in Falcon Heights. She is a new comer to the parks and recreation system. Annie is a stay at home mother who is interested in
becoming more involved in the city, its parks, and programs.
Introduction of Parks and Recreation Supervisor /Administrative Assistant
Lisa Anderson
Lisa Anderson reported that she is happy to be here and is looking forward to holding a position where she can gain a variety of experience in both parks and recreation and administration.
c. Recreation Update
Anderson reported that she is currently working on hiring staff for the summer programs. Applications are being taken till May 13th and Interviews will begin on the following Monday
and continue into June. Program numbers are varying depending on the program. We are expecting another boom of registrations as summer approaches and parents realize they need find activities
for their energetic kids. Another promotional flyer will be going out in the city flyer, to be distributed May 24th.
d. Goals, Planning, and Capital Budget Discussion
A general discussion was brought up regarding low enrollment numbers. Many questions were raised about how we promote and advertise the park and recreation programs. Anderson and Hoag
explained the current method of distribution is: through Falcon Heights Elementary, ECFC, Fairview Community Center, Brimhall, Parkview, Commonwealth Terrace, Chelsea Heights, St. Rose
of Lima. Anderson brought up that this is only reaching school aged children and that we should look into reaching every household in Falcon Heights. Hoag then brought to the commissions
attention that currently the city of Little Canada is publishing minimal information in the City of Roseville’s/Community Education’s Activity Brochure, it is not much information but
it is reaching a lot more people than Falcon Heights is reaching. Staff is researching publishing in that brochure. Dolan brought up an idea of getting census data to find out our
age demographics. Ozansky also brought up the idea of conducting evaluations before or after programs to find out how people find out about Falcon Heights programs or why they chose
Falcon Height’s programs over another city. Long recommended using the past 5 years of registrations to find out where our popular sites and popular programs are,
and where we might be at now with Curtiss Field renovated and what age groups we may want to be targeting.
Regarding the Community Park Land Lease with the University of Minnesota, Hoag recommended that we hold off contacting them on the renewal until the University has a chance to get through
other issues they are working on, i.e. Bell Museum, New Stadium, etc. All members agreed that it was a good idea to wait it out a bit.
e. 2005 Goals
Hoag led the discussion on how to begin the process for recreating or looking at long term goals based on the 1989 comprehensive plan. He explained the first step may be to find out
what amenities are in our parks at this time, when they were put there and how long they are expected to last. That may give us a better Capital Improvement Plan for the next 5 years.
Other issues brought up by Dolan was the addition of Hockey Rink Lights and a possible warming house at Falcon Heights Elementary School. Hoag noted the possibly using the money allocated
for a new trailer towards the lights if the trailer does not need to be purchased at this time. Hoag also mentioned there will be Park Dedication money coming in soon, but we have to
find out whether we have to use the money towards Curtiss Fields or can we use it elsewhere in the park system. It could be used to help aid our Capital Improvement Plan or saved for
future improvements.
Hoag also brought to the commission’s attention the need for more promotion or ideas in bringing in more money for the Friends of the Parks fund. Hoag brought up an Adopt a Garden
Program option. Creating a list of gardens in the area that need tending to or that groups might be interested in renting for a fee. A general question was is this something the Environmental
committees could take care of?
Finally, Evans brought up the status of the Boulevard trees and their condition. Hoag responded that due to Dutch Elm Disease we are spending more money removing the trees than was are
replacing them. Many of the boulevard trees have been affected by this disease. The overall tree budget is a lot of the general fund money and questioning how we can shift it somewhere
else
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Dolan and seconded by Long. Meeting ended at 9:30pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Anderson. If there are any corrections or additions, please contact Lisa Anderson by phone at 651-792-7616 or by email at lisa.anderson@ci.falcon-heights.mn.us